Odisha Assembly’s budget session begins

The House was today adjourned till 10 AM tomorrow after the Governor’s address on the first day of the Budget Session for 2016-17 of the Odisha Assembly.

In line with the customary practice, Governor SC Jamir was presented with a guard of honour on his arrival at the state Assembly premises.

Later condolences were offered to former Chief Minister Late Janaki Ballav Patnaik and three jawans killed in action.

“My government has taken various steps to empower farmers. The government has given priority on use of technology. The first Nabakalebara of the century has been completed successfully. The government has successfully tackled drought situation. A subsidy of Rs 519.30 crore has been provided to the farmers of drought affected districts. A package of Rs 1000 crore has been announced for farmers. The government is working successfully in the sphere of poverty reduction. There have been considerable achievements in development of banking and communications in remote areas. Despite Central government stopping assistance my government has increased grants to KBK. Expeditious steps are being taken to restore sources of irrigation. Collection of land revenue and recovery of crop loans have been put on hold for three years. My government is making arrangements to open ‘Adarsha Vidyalaya’ in every block to raise standard of education in the state. Emphasis is being laid on use of information technology to solve socio-economic problems. Per capita income has nearly doubled in the state. The government has implemented new industrial policy. My government aims to make the state industrially strong. My government is taking steps for increasing employment opportunities in the state. Emphasis has been laid housing for all and provision of safe drinking water,” Governor Jamir said in his address to the House.

The main opposition party in the state Assembly-Congress has however, termed the Governor’s speech as hopeless.

“The Governor’s speech is disappointing. The government has betrayed the people through the Governor. There big difference between the government’s words and its deeds. The Dhalasamanta brothers empire dates back to several years which proof enough of the complete breakdown of law and order,” said Narsingh Mishra, Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly in his reactions on the Governor’s address after the House was adjourned for the day.

The annual budget for the year 2016-17 will be presented on March 18. The budget session to be held in two phases has 33 working days. Three new bills are likely to be presented in the House during the session.